Boostrix Tdap Intramuscular: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This vaccine is used to keep up protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping cough) in children and adults who have been vaccinated for these diseases in the past. It may also be given during the third trimester of pregnancy to help prevent pertussis in the newborn baby. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies). Booster doses are needed to keep up immunity because antibody levels may become too low over time to provide the needed protection.

How to use Boostrix Tdap Vial

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given in the upper arm.

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines (such as hepatitis B) using a separate needle and injection site.

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Side Effects

Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. Headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, or sore/swollen joints may also occur. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to reduce soreness. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including: high fever (higher than 104 degrees F/40 degrees C), seizures, numbness/tingling, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of: nervous system disorders (such as seizures, encephalopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome), current illness/infection, immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment), vaccination history including previous reactions to any vaccines.

During pregnancy, this vaccine is usually recommended. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), other vaccines (such as diphtheria/tetanus toxoids).

Does Boostrix Tdap Vial interact with other drugs you are taking?

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Overdose

Not applicable.

Notes

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will determine the most appropriate one for you. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care professional.

History of infection with tetanus or diphtheria does not always protect against future infections with these bacteria. You should still receive this vaccine if your health care professional orders it for you.

Missed Dose

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your medical record.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.